TW201736716A - An assembly of a buoyancy module and an anti-fouling system - Google Patents

Abstract

In an assembly of a buoyancy module (10) and an anti-fouling system, the buoyancy module (10) is adapted to floatingly support a functional device (40) in an underwater environment. In particular, the anti-fouling system comprises at least one anti-fouling appliance (23, 24) for performing an anti-fouling action on at least a portion of the exterior surface (16) of the buoyancy module (10), wherein the anti-fouling appliance (23, 24) has an exterior arrangement with respect to the buoyancy module (10) while being mechanically coupled to the buoyancy module (10) and/or being adapted for mechanical coupling to a functional device (40), and/or is arranged on the exterior surface (16) of the buoyancy module (10), and/or is arranged in the interior of the buoyancy module (10). In a practical embodiment, the anti-fouling appliance comprises an ultraviolet light source (23) and possibly also a light guide (24) coupled to the ultraviolet light source (23).

Description

Components of buoyancy modules and antifouling systems

The present invention relates to an assembly of a buoyancy module and an anti-fouling system that is adapted to support a functional device in a floating environment in an underwater environment. Secondly, the present invention relates to an antifouling system contemplated for use in such assemblies, and also to a buoyancy module contemplated for use in such assemblies. Thirdly, the present invention relates to a functional device and an assembly of at least one buoyancy module as mentioned, the at least one buoyancy module being disposed on the functional device, and the functional device is optionally a sea lift conduit Module, the present invention also relates to a marine system comprising a marine device for extracting a substance from a sea (bottom) bed and at least one such assembly, the marine device passing through the functional device of the assembly and the sea (Bottom) bed connection.

In the field of the offshore industry, the use of buoyancy modules is common and is aimed at ensuring that a device such as a one liter catheter is held in a wavy configuration when submerged. A one liter conduit is a flexible pipeline used to interconnect one of the oil wells or gas wells at the sea (bottom) bed with one of the surface floating vessels at sea, so that natural oil or gas can be extracted from the sea (bottom) bed. The lowest level pump is pumped to the highest level in the surface vessel. Therefore, the length of the riser can range from a few hundred meters to several kilometers. Because of these lengths, precautions must be taken to prevent a one liter catheter from becoming stuck or broken under its own weight and/or due to crushing at large depths and/or withstanding forces caused by waves and tides. In addition, when the riser is used for pumping oil, the internal pressure in the riser can be as high as 300 bar. For this reason, the riser duct is normally reinforced by a steel core which acts as a tension line, and is enclosed by one or more outer casings made of plastic or steel, and is used as a protective layer to be unaffected by one of the components. The insulated polymer coating is finally processed. Therefore, the deep sea riser can be extremely heavy. The riser conduit is installed into the sea by carrying a one liter conduit on a surface vessel on a roll that will unfold during the installation procedure to gradually submerge the riser conduit into the water. In order to prevent an unexpanded/expanding riser from being extremely curved and also to prevent it from collapsing or tipping over a surface vessel and/or pulling the vessel down the deep sea, it is important to control the shape and effective weight of the riser. Buoyancy modules came into being. In fact, buoyancy modules are designed to support large floating bodies such as risers, cables, and the like. Typically, a riser conduit is provided with a plurality of buoyancy modules, wherein the buoyancy modules are substantially evenly distributed over at least a portion of the length of the riser conduit. According to a common design, a buoyancy module generally has a cylindrical shape including two halves that are hingedly coupled to each other to allow one of the buoyancy modules to be open (where the buoyancy module is adapted to receive a one-liter catheter) And a portion of the buoyancy module is closed (where the buoyancy module encloses a portion of the buoyancy module that extends through a central portion of the buoyancy module). A buoyancy module can generally conform to a diameter of up to 2 meters and a length/height of 1.5 to 3 meters. The fixing of one of the buoyancy modules on the one-liter catheter is achieved by a belt and/or a clamp, before the buoyancy module and the portion of the lift conduit enclosed by the buoyancy module are dive from the surface vessel Place the belt and clamp in a closed position. The buoyancy modules are fixed to a one liter conduit at a predetermined location, wherein the locations are accurately selected to enable a wavy configuration of the riser conduit to be accurately achieved as desired. In particular, at the predetermined locations, the scatter buoyancy modules act as platforms or anchor points that dive but float at a given depth such that the shape of the riser conduit can be directed into a dive suspension point and A natural arched shape between the seabed and between the dive suspension point and the surface vessel. As such, the mechanical stresses on the risers down to the deep sea are minimized and controlled, while within certain limits the surface motion of the surface vessel due to tidal waves and weather effects and controlled displacement of the surface vessel is allowed. As can be seen from the above, it is extremely important that the dive suspension point has a stable position and depth. In order to maintain control over the position and depth of the buoyancy module, the resistance due to the tidal current and the displacement of the seawater attributed to factors such as salinity and temperature gradient should be kept under control and also apply to the buoyancy of the buoyancy module. . However, the fact is that even though the resistance and buoyancy of the distributed buoyancy module can be maintained at a desired, initial level, this is still very difficult. The reason is called one of biological fouling or biofouling. In general, biofouling is the accumulation of microorganisms, plants, algae, small animals, and the like on the surface. According to some estimates, more than 1,800 species, including more than 4,000 species of organisms, cause biofouling. Therefore, biofouling is caused by various organisms and it involves far more than attaching barnacles and algae to the surface. Biofouling is divided into microscopic fouling that includes biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion, and macroscopic fouling that involves the attachment of larger organisms. The organism is also classified as hard or soft due to the different chemistries and organisms that determine what prevents it from precipitating. Hard-stained organisms contain calcareous organisms (such as barnacles, bryozoites, mollusks, polychaetes, and other tube worms and zebrafish). Soft soiled organisms contain non-calcium organisms (such as seaweed, leeches, algae, and biofilm "sludge"). These creatures together form a fouling cluster. In a number of situations, biofouling creates a number of problems. Biofouling can cause the machine to stop working, the water inlet to block, and the heat exchanger to suffer from reduced performance. Therefore, the main body of antifouling (i.e., the procedure for removing or preventing biofouling) is well known. In industrial processes involving wet surfaces, biodispersants can be used to control biofouling. In a less controlled environment, the contaminated organism is killed or repelled by a coating using a biocide, heat treatment or energy pulse. A non-toxic mechanical strategy to prevent organisms from adhering to a surface includes selecting a material or coating for the surface to be slippery or producing a nanoscale surface topology similar to the skin of a shark or dolphin, such as providing only a poor anchor Fixed point. The biofouling of buoyancy modules creates serious problems. As time passes, the resistance of the buoyancy module increases, and the buoyancy of the buoyancy module decreases. Therefore, more and more mechanical stress is applied to both the riser and the related components of the surface ship, especially in the bad. During the weather. In view of the fact that the normal life of the riser and associated buoyancy modules is approximately 25 years, maintenance is necessary to avoid situations in which one of the riser and associated buoyancy modules can no longer be controlled, ie, the riser can be broken And/or a dangerous situation in which a surface vessel can collapse or even sink. It is actually difficult to achieve mechanical cleaning of the buoyancy module due to its relatively large diameter and its operating depth, which can be far beyond normal diving activities, ie, about 100 meters below the surface of the water. Therefore, there is a need for a durable solution for keeping the submersible buoyancy module clean. Traditionally, there are two approved methods for antifouling that are related to the low tidal flow rate environment of a steel catenary riser. 1) Providing a toxic surface, biofouling species cannot adhere to and survive on it, and 2) coating a slow release coating. The first method involves the release of toxic species into the marine environment, which will be banned for obvious reasons in the future. The second method involves a procedure in which a binder resin slowly dissolves or hydrolyzes, for example, to release a biocidal active chemical into the intermediate near surface environment, and is expected to be inhibited and discarded at any time in the near future. Due to the nature of the two methods and the associated organisms that are toxic, and biocidalally effective materials are also not only harmful to biologically contaminated organisms but also to other forms of marine life after their release into seawater, Another more environmentally friendly and green alternative is to keep the dive buoyancy module clean and free from biofouling.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a measure for at least slow biofouling of a submersible buoyancy module if it is not prevented. In view of the above, according to the present invention, there is provided an assembly of a buoyancy module and an anti-fouling system, the buoyancy module being adapted to floatably support a functional device in an underwater environment, and the anti-fouling system includes At least one antifouling device performing an antifouling action on at least a portion of an outer surface of the buoyancy module, wherein the antifouling device has an outer configuration relative to one of the buoyancy modules, wherein at least a portion of the antifouling device is supported And/or adapted to be supported on a functional device, and/or disposed on the outer surface of the buoyancy module, and/or disposed in the interior of the buoyancy module . In an assembly according to the invention, an antifouling implement is used to act on at least a portion of the outer surface of the buoyancy module to protect at least a portion of the surface from biofouling. For the sake of completeness, it is noted that in a conventional design of the buoyancy module as explained above, the outer surface comprises both the outer surface of the general contour of the buoyancy module and the outer surface of a central portion of the buoyancy module, Used to be supported by the buoyancy module in a floating manner around a one liter of conduit, cable or other device. Basically, the outer surface of the buoyancy module is exposed to the surface of the buoyancy module of a fluid that has a biofouling effect on the surface during at least a portion of the life of the buoyancy module. The antifouling device is preferably adapted to act on the outer surface of the buoyancy module such that it prevents the subsequent deposition of a macroscopic fouling organism and the initial deposition of one of the microbial biofilms. According to the invention, the antifouling device can be used in any way possible (specifically, directly or indirectly from one of the surface or one of the surfaces, from one of the distal ends of the surface, in any given context ) acts on the surface. For this purpose, the antifouling device may have any suitable position relative to the surface, and may be disposed inside the buoyancy module, may be disposed on the surface, and/or may have a relative to the buoyancy module One of the external configurations is at least partially supported on the buoyancy module and/or adapted to be at least partially supported on a functional device. In an advantageous embodiment of the assembly of a buoyancy module and an anti-fouling system according to the invention, the anti-fouling device is adapted to emit anti-fouling energy during its operation. The antifouling device is specifically adapted to emit ultraviolet light during its operation. One of the general benefits of using ultraviolet light to achieve antifouling is to prevent microbes from sticking to and sticking to the surface to maintain cleanliness without causing any harmful side effects or side effects that cannot be easily offset. For the sake of completeness, the following is an antifouling by using ultraviolet light. The antifouling device can be selected to specifically emit c-type ultraviolet light (also known as UVC light) and emit (even more specifically) light having a wavelength between about 250 nm and 300 nm. It has been found that by exposing fouling organisms to a specific dose of ultraviolet light, most of the fouling organisms are killed, rendered inactive, or appear to be incapable of being reproduced. The performance is typically applied to achieve a degree of anti-fouling of 10 mW per square meter, applied continuously or at a suitable frequency. A very efficient source for generating UVC light is a low pressure mercury discharge lamp in which an average of 35% of the input power is converted to UVC power. Another useful type of lamp is a medium pressure mercury discharge lamp. The lamp can be equipped with a special glass envelope for filtering out ozone to form radiation. In addition, a dimmer can be used in conjunction with the lamp when needed. Other types of useful UVC lamps are dielectric barrier discharge lamps (known to provide very powerful ultraviolet light at various wavelengths and high electrical energy to light energy conversion efficiency) lasers and LEDs. With respect to LEDs, it is noted that they can generally be included in relatively small packets and consume less power than other types of light sources. LEDs can be fabricated to emit (ultraviolet) light of various desired wavelengths, and their operational parameters, most notably output power, can be controlled to a high degree. An anti-fouling device for emitting ultraviolet light can be provided in the form of a tubular lamp that is substantially comparable to a well-known TL (tube illuminating/fluorescent) lamp. For various known sterilized tubular UVC lamps, the electronic and mechanical properties are comparable to those of tubular lamps used to generate visible light. This allows the UVC lamp to operate in the same manner as known lamps, where, for example, an electronic or magnetic ballast/actuator circuit can be used. According to a first possibility existing in the framework of the invention, the antifouling device is adapted to emit antifouling energy during its operation and is at least partially disposed in the interior of the buoyancy module, wherein the antifouling The system includes at least a portion of the buoyancy module that is permeable to the anti-fouling energy and that includes at least a portion of the exterior surface of the buoyancy module. In the usual design of the buoyancy module, it is advantageous when the two halves are equipped with at least one antifouling device, which does not change the fact that it can be provided in the case of an optical coupling between the two halves. It is sufficient to have at least one antifouling device in only one of the two halves. Furthermore, it is advantageous to allow at least one antifouling device to illuminate the entire outer surface of one of the halves of the buoyancy module from the interior of the buoyancy module. In a practical embodiment, the portion of the buoyancy module that is permeable to the anti-fouling energy includes an outer layer of the buoyancy module. According to the term "external surface" is understood to mean both the outer surface covering the general contour of the buoyancy module and the outer surface of a central portion of the buoyancy module for actually surrounding a device by means of the buoyancy Note on the fact that the module is floatingly supported, it is noted that the term "outer layer" can be applied to one of the first outer surface and one of the outer surfaces of the latter or at least a portion of both. Having an outer layer as mentioned relates to the fact that there is no need to have a large permeable portion in the buoyancy module, so that the effect of the measurement according to the invention can be practiced for factors such as the manufacturing cost and mechanical strength of the buoyancy module. Keep it to a minimum. When an outer layer is applied, it can be such that the antifouling system includes a plurality of antifouling energy sources that are used to emit antifouling energy during their operation, the energy sources being configured to be incorporated into the layer In a grid or network. In this case, the energy sources are available for LEDs that emit ultraviolet light. The outer layer may also contain only a minimum energy source and is designed such that it is suitable for use as a light guide having a predefined location that allows light to illuminate outwardly from the layer. According to a second possibility existing in the framework of the invention, the antifouling device comprises: at least one anti-fouling energy source for the configuration at an external position relative to one of the buoyancy modules; and an energy director And for receiving anti-fouling energy from the energy source during its operation and directing the anti-fouling energy to the outer surface of the buoyancy module. Exceptionally, the source of anti-fouling energy may be disposed at a remote location, such as at a surface vessel. When the anti-fouling energy source is used to emit a source of ultraviolet light, the energy director can be any suitable light guide, such as an optical fiber or a light hose. It can make the energy director suitable for the configuration completely outside the buoyancy module, but does not change the fact that an energy director can be used, at least a part of which can be adapted to the configuration in the interior of the buoyancy module, In this case, the anti-fouling system actually further includes at least a portion of the buoyancy module that is anti-fouling that is emitted by the energy source during its operation and transported to the buoyancy module by the energy guiding tube The energy is permeable, the portion of the buoyancy module including at least a portion of the outer surface of the buoyancy module, similar to one of the at least one anti-fouling energy source in the interior of the buoyancy module . When the energy director is adapted for configuration relative to an outer location of one of the buoyancy modules, the energy director can have an elongated appearance and be designed in a helical manner relative to the configuration of the buoyancy module In either case, the energy director contacts or extends from the outer surface of the buoyancy module a specific distance from the outer surface of the buoyancy module, wherein the energy director can be positioned to be in the buoyancy mode The contour of the group surrounds the buoyancy module and/or is present in an internal space of the buoyancy module for receiving the functional device to be floatingly supported by the buoyancy module. Alternatively, the anti-fouling system may include a sleeve-like structure for surrounding one of the buoyancy modules and/or a sleeve-like structure for extending through a buoyancy module at a central location, the energy director passing through Into the structure. In the sleeve-like structure, it is true that the structure can also be adapted such that the outer surface of the buoyancy module contacts or extends a specific distance from the outer surface of the buoyancy module. In the case where a certain distance exists, an appropriate spacer can be used. In general, wherein the at least one antifouling device is allowed to directly act on at least a portion of a surface to maintain a clean structure and a structure in which the at least one antifouling device is allowed to act indirectly on at least a portion of a surface to maintain a clean structure. It is possible within the scope of the invention that the at least one antifouling device can be disposed in the interior of the buoyancy module, on the outer surface of the buoyancy module and/or relative to the buoyancy module One of the groups is at an external location. In the case of the interlocking action of the antifouling appliance, assuming that the antifouling appliance is adapted to emit antifouling energy during its operation, the antifouling system actually includes means for directing the energy to the outer surface of the buoyancy module At least a portion of the reflective member (ie, one or more reflectors). The use of one or more reflectors can add design freedom to the anti-fouling system, enabling more possibilities for determining proper positioning of one of the at least one anti-fouling appliance. Likewise, the use of one or more reflectors involves the advantageous possibility of diffusing this energy across a surface area that is greater than the surface area that would be covered in the context of one of the antifouling devices that directly act on the surface. When the at least one antifouling appliance having an exterior configuration relative to one of the buoyancy modules is used in the antifouling system, the overall efficiency of the system and the energy emitted by the seawater pair by the antifouling appliance during operation thereof The penetration is related. When at least one antifouling device disposed in the interior of the buoyancy module is used in the antifouling system, the material that the energy travels through the (etc.) portion of the buoyancy module may be selected to have a good The degree of penetration (i.e., at least one of the penetrations of the penetration of seawater) allows the overall efficiency of the system to increase. With respect to the possibility of having at least one antifouling device disposed at an outer position relative to one of the buoyancy modules, it is noted that the antifouling system may include a configuration for holding the antifouling device at a location The position is one of a distance from the buoyancy module, and the position is for allowing the energy to be directly and/or indirectly (in any particular case, any suitable manner) to reach the exterior of the buoyancy module One of the positions of the surface. When the antifouling device is adapted to emit ultraviolet light during its operation, a distal configuration may include a floodlight source or a spotlight source, for example, illuminating the buoyancy module from an additional item of the buoyancy module The outer surface. The antifouling appliance can even include a laser source, wherein the laser source can be configured, such as to scan the surface. An additional item of the buoyancy module for carrying at least one energy source and/or at least one energy director may be in the form of a spiral strip, any suitably shaped ring, rib or diameter clamp or enclosure structure. Other examples of an additional item include a mesh, a bandage, and a mesh that can be placed in position on the buoyancy module by a belt or other suitable member. An additional item can include a sleeve-like structure for extending around or extending through the buoyancy module, in which case, for example, a zipper can be provided for closing the structure. One of the general advantages of applying an add-on to the anti-fouling system is that the add-on can be deployed as one of the consumable or serviceable parts that can be deployed or removed as needed. Likewise, there is no need to change the overall design of the buoyancy module, and a single type of add-on may have this design making it suitable for use with various types of buoyancy modules. Advantageously, one of the at least one energy source and/or the at least one energy director is configured to provide mechanical protection of the energy source and/or the energy director. Where the anti-fouling system includes at least one energy source for emitting anti-fouling energy during operation thereof, the at least one energy source may have, in particular, an elongated shape and may be designed to have a helical form Relative to the configuration of the buoyancy module. Similarly, the anti-fouling system can include a plurality of energy sources for emitting anti-fouling energy during operation thereof and a structure having an elongated shape designed to have a helical form relative to the buoyancy mode The configuration of the groups, the energy sources are incorporated into the structure. The design of this structure can result in the addition of a protective functionality to its load bearing functionality. Alternatively, the anti-fouling system includes a plurality of energy sources for emitting anti-fouling energy during operation thereof, the anti-fouling system being configurable for extending around or extending through the sleeve of the buoyancy module A structure comprising at least one ring (eg, a circular ring or an elliptical ring) and the energy sources are incorporated into the at least one ring. In an embodiment of the anti-fouling system (the anti-fouling system is particularly intended for use with a buoyancy module comprising one of the resistance-reducing baffles including an outward extension, and the anti-fouling system includes for operation thereon During the period, the energy source of the anti-fouling energy is emitted, and the energy sources are designed for the configuration on the baffles. One advantage of this embodiment is that the baffles can be used to achieve mechanical protection of the energy sources. In this regard, it is noted that the energy sources can be provided as an integral part of the baffles. Furthermore, the baffles can be provided with means for powering one of the energy sources or for generating electricity. It can also be applied to the body of the buoyancy module. Generally speaking, when the antifouling system comprises a net, a bandage, a netting or the like to support at least one energy source and/or at least one energy director, the spacer can be used to make the at least one energy source and/or Or at least one energy director maintains an appropriate distance relative to the outer surface of the buoyancy module. When the buoyancy module is equipped with a resistance reducing baffle as mentioned above, the baffles can be used as such spacers. It is known from the above that the present invention relates to an assembly of a buoyancy module and an anti-fouling system, the anti-fouling system being adapted to operate to perform an anti-fouling action on at least a portion of the outer surface of the buoyancy module . Thus, by applying the present invention, the problem associated with the fouling state of one of the outer surfaces of a buoyancy module is mitigated. The buoyancy of the buoyancy module is maintained at the level envisaged in the design phase of the buoyancy module, and the resistance of the buoyancy module is maintained at a minimum level as needed. The invention also relates to an anti-fouling system comprising at least one anti-fouling implement for performing an anti-fouling action on at least a portion of an exterior surface of a buoyancy module, which is intended for use in the assembly referred to. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a buoyancy module for mounting on a functional device to floatably support the functional device in an underwater environment, which is intended for use in the assembly referred to, the present invention also An assembly for a functional device and at least one of the buoyancy modules disposed on the functional device, wherein the functional device can be a marine ascending catheter module or another module to be equipped with one or more buoyancy modules Groups are used for support in a fluid such as water. With respect to the assembly of a functional device and at least one buoyancy module disposed on the functional device, it is noted that the assembly can be part of a marine system, the system further comprising means for extracting material from the seabed, such as One of the oil marine devices that communicate with the seabed through the functional device of the assembly. In particular, in the context of the content of the marine system, the functional device can have a marine device to be connected to a static marine object (such as an undersea oil well) at the seabed level. By significantly reducing the extent to which the at least one buoyancy module is subject to biofouling, less stress is present in the mechanical coupling structure in the marine system, which facilitates the life of the coupling structures, wherein such coupling can be avoided Damage to the structure. Reference will be made to the following embodiments of a plurality of embodiments of an anti-fouling system using a buoyancy module (especially for an anti-fouling system comprising one or more sources of ultraviolet light) to understand and clarify the above Description and other aspects.

The present invention is in the field of buoyancy modules which are normally used in a marine environment for suspending elongate devices (such as cables and tubes extending from a surface vessel or sea surface structure to the sea floor), And the buoyancy modules are designed to act as floating bodies in the water, wherein the elongate devices are normally equipped with a plurality of buoyancy modules distributed along their length. Figure 1 illustrates a general design of a buoyancy module. According to this design, the buoyancy module 10 generally has a cylindrical shape and includes a body 11 including two halves 12, 13 that are hingedly coupled to each other to allow one of the bodies 11 shown in FIG. 1 to be open ( Wherein the body 11 is adapted to receive a portion of an elongate device (not shown) and a closed state of the body 11 (wherein the body 11 encloses the elongate device extending through the body 11 at a central location in the body 11) section). The fixation of the buoyancy module 10 on the elongate device is accomplished in any suitable manner. In the example shown, the buoyancy module 10 further includes two end members 14, 15 having an annular portion for surrounding the elongate device at the end position of the body 11. In this design, disposing the buoyancy module 10 on an elongate device includes the steps of: 1) arranging the end members 14, 15 on the elongate device and positioning the body 11 of the buoyancy module 10 relative to the elongate device In an open state to be able to receive a portion of the elongate device, and 2) to place the body 11 in a closed position and to place the end members 14, 15 in position on the body 11. 2 through 9 illustrate an embodiment of an anti-fouling system for use with a buoyancy module 10, which is within the scope of the present invention. The invention is in no way limited to the design of the buoyancy module 10 as shown in Figure 1 and explained above. The embodiments of the anti-fouling system shown in Figures 2 through 9 are merely a few examples of the many possibilities that exist within the architecture of the present invention. In general, in accordance with the present invention, an anti-fouling system is designed for achieving an anti-fouling effect on one of the exterior surfaces 16 of the buoyancy module 10. In the context of the description herein, the term "external surface" is understood to mean, for example, each region of the buoyancy module 10 that is exposed to water when the buoyancy module 10 is in an underwater environment. In the case where no antifouling measurement is taken, the outer surface 16 is covered with an antifouling layer over time, as envisioned by the design of the buoyancy module, which causes the buoyancy and other properties of the buoyancy module 10 to be The initial value deviates. This disadvantageous situation is avoided when applying the invention. It is a fact that in accordance with the present invention, an anti-fouling system is provided that includes one or more anti-fouling devices for acting on at least a portion of the exterior surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10 to protect at least a portion of the surface 16 from Biologically contaminated. The one or more anti-fouling devices may have any suitable position relative to the buoyancy module 10 and may be disposed in the interior of the buoyancy module 10, on the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10 and/or relative to the buoyancy module 10 at one of the external locations. The one or more anti-fouling appliances may comprise, in particular, one or more anti-fouling energy sources for emitting anti-fouling energy during operation thereof, wherein the one or more anti-fouling appliances may further comprise one or more energy directors It is used to transport the antifouling energy and is allowed to be output at a position suitable for achieving an antifouling effect on the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10 in an efficient manner. An external structure or add-on may be used in conjunction with the buoyancy module 10 to carry one or more energy sources and/or one or more energy directors. If one or more energy sources are disposed in the buoyancy module 10, on or near the buoyancy module 10, it is advantageous to use suitable components to power the energy source, and the components may include extensions from the energy source. A cable or the like of a surface, wherein the energy source can be electrically coupled to the cable in a wired manner or in a wireless manner, or the components can include means for generating the necessary power at the local end (such as a so-called Peltier element), etc. Adapted to generate a current based on a temperature difference. In the following, by way of example only one or more energy sources are assumed as one or more light sources for generating ultraviolet light (especially c-type ultraviolet light) during their operation. UVC light is an energy form that is suitable for killing contaminated organisms, rendering such organisms inactive or presenting such organisms that are not reproducible. 2 relates to an option according to which the antifouling system includes at least one tubular ultraviolet lamp 20 disposed in the interior of the buoyancy module 10. In the illustrated example, the tubular ultraviolet light 20 extends from one end of the buoyancy module 10 to the other end to enable ultraviolet light to be emitted along the entire length/height of the buoyancy module 10. The buoyancy module 10 includes a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light to allow ultraviolet light emitted by the tubular ultraviolet lamp 20 to reach at least a portion of the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10 during its operation. In FIG. 2, for purposes of illustration, the buoyancy module 10 is shown with a permeable half 12 through which a single tubular ultraviolet lamp 20 is embedded in a transmissive material. As is apparent from the figure, the ultraviolet light emitted by the tubular ultraviolet lamp 20 during its operation from the inside of the buoyancy module 10 to the outer surface 16 on the outer side of the half body 12 and the outer surface on the inner side of the half body 12 Both of the portions of the outer surface 16 are partially transmissive through the transmissive material of the half body 12 for directing an elongate device to the portion of the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10. Thus, the tubular ultraviolet lamp 20 is allowed to act on the entire outer surface 16 of the half body 12 of the buoyancy module 10 such that the entire outer surface 16 of the half body 12 of the buoyancy module 10 can be kept clean from biofouling. In a practical embodiment, the two halves 12, 13 of the buoyancy module may actually be designed to receive at least one tubular ultraviolet light 20 in its interior and include material that is transparent to ultraviolet light to achieve buoyancy The entire outer surface 16 of the module 10 can be kept clean and free of biofouling. On the other hand, there may be an embodiment in which only one half of the body 12, 13 is provided with at least one lamp 20, and wherein the half bodies 12, 13 are optically coupled in any suitable manner. 3 relates to an option according to which the antifouling system comprises an outer layer 21 of an interspersed ultraviolet LED 22 embedded in the outer layer 21. The outer layer 21 includes a material that is transparent to ultraviolet light to allow ultraviolet light emitted by the LED 22 during its operation to reach the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10, which surface is naturally also an outer surface of the outer layer 21. . In FIG. 3, for purposes of illustration, the buoyancy module 10 is shown with an outer layer 21 that is positioned on the outside of one half of the buoyancy module 10. As is apparent from the figure, the ultraviolet light emitted by the LED 22 during its operation is very efficiently from the interior of the buoyancy module 10 to the portion of the outer surface 16 on the outer side of the half body 12, so that an antifouling effect can be This portion of the outer surface 16 is implemented. It goes without saying that in a practical embodiment, the two halves 12, 13 of the buoyancy module are actually designed to have an outer layer 21 of the walk-through LED 22 as described above. When the outer layer 21 is present on both the outer and inner sides of the two halves 12, 13, the entire outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10 can remain clean and free of biofouling. One advantage of using the outer layer 21 is that the layer 21 can be added to the buoyancy module 10 only on the outside and/or inside of the buoyancy module 10 such that there is no need to change the internal design of the buoyancy module 10. Moreover, by applying a plurality of LEDs 22, there may be a failure of one or the other limited number of LEDs 22 and still have an anti-fouling effect on one of the exterior surfaces 16 as needed. As such, LEDs are known to have a lower energy consumption. In summary, the embodiment of the anti-fouling system as depicted in Figure 3 and as described above has many advantageous aspects and is very well suited for use in an underwater environment due to its extreme fail-safe protection. And no maintenance is required for this purpose. 4 is directed to an option according to which the antifouling system includes an ultraviolet laser source 23 having an exterior configuration relative to one of the buoyancy modules 10 mounted on an elongate device 40, and further comprising coupling to an ultraviolet ray. An elongated light guide 24 of the source 23 has a coil appearance and is wrapped around the buoyancy module 10. In this embodiment of the invention, the ultraviolet laser source 23 can be located at one of the locations on the water. The elongate light guide 24 can comprise any suitable type of fiber or the like to transport ultraviolet light at a minimum loss based on a known principle, such as total internal reflection. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4, the elongated light guide 24 is allowed to emit ultraviolet light onto portions of the outer surface 16 present at the outer side of the buoyancy module 10 to effect contamination of the portion of the outer surface 16. An embodiment similar to the outer layer 21 comprising the scatter LEDs 22, including one of the ultraviolet laser sources 23 disposed at a location remote from the buoyancy module 10 and for use by an ultraviolet laser source during operation thereof The embodiment of the light guide 24, which is transported by 23 emitted ultraviolet light to the exterior surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10, may require no maintenance (i.e., maintenance required to be performed in an underwater environment). If the ultraviolet laser source 23 fails, the antifouling system can be repaired only by replacing the viable ultraviolet laser source 23. Referring to FIG. 4, it is noted that there may also be an ultraviolet light source that is wrapped around the buoyancy module 10. The cladding configuration of at least one of the light guides and/or the at least one light source can be implemented in any suitable manner. In addition to the helical structure illustrated in FIG. 4, there may be a sleeve-like structure, for example, the sleeve-like structure may be comprised of a belt that is designed to wrap around the buoyancy module 10, or may include any suitable A sleeve, such as by a zipper closure, is placed in an open state and a closed state. For example, the sleeve member may comprise a layer of heavy material or may have a mesh structure. Figure 5 is directed to an option according to which the antifouling system includes a structure for supporting a plurality of light sources and associated components, and the structure is also adapted to provide protection for the light source and components. With an example of this option, FIG. 5 shows the use of one of the I-shaped bars 30 in conjunction with the buoyancy module 10, which receives the ultraviolet light source 25 and the reflector 26. The I-bar 30 can be configured at any suitable location on the outside of the buoyancy module 10 and can be curved, for example, in a helical manner to follow the curved outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module at the outer side of the buoyancy module. In the example shown, light source 25 includes an LED that is configured to extend over one of printed circuit boards 27 along center beam 31 of I-bar 30. A combination of light source 25, reflector 26 and a printed circuit board 27 may be provided at only one side of the center beam 31, but this combination may also be located at both sides of the center beam 31 in a given situation. This is the case for the example shown. The I-bar 30 may not actually have the reflector 26, but the application of the reflector 26 results in a safe and protected position of the light source 25 in the I-bar 30 and still achieves an anti-fouling procedure to be performed by the light source 25. The possibility of high validity, in which the reflector 26 is used to shape the light. In the example shown, the reflector 26 has a curved shape and is provided with a hole at a position corresponding to the position of the light source 25. For optimal protection of the various components disposed on the I-bar 30, the optical exit window 32 is preferably located at both sides of the center beam 31 to cover the spacing present in the I-bar 30, and thereby The receiving configuration is closed in one of the receiving components. The spacing between the reflector 26 and the optical exit window 32 present at the two sides of the I-bar 30 in the illustrated example may use a solid (such as polyfluorene) or use a fluid (such as a liquid, air or Compressed gas) filled. 6 and 7 illustrate one of the possible alternative embodiments of the I-bar 30. In this alternative embodiment red, the light source 25 is disposed on one of the transverse beams 33, 34 of the I-shaped bar 30, and the curved reflector 26 is disposed at a position (which is one position after the light source 25), covering The center beam 31 and the transverse beam 34 opposite the transverse beam 33 supporting the light source 25. With respect to the transverse beam 34 opposite the transverse beam 33 supporting the light source 25, it is noted that this transverse beam 34 can be configured, such as to be integrated with the buoyancy module 10, as shown schematically in FIG. In FIG. 6, the manner in which light is illuminated from the I-bar 30 during illumination of the source 25 (either directly from the source 25 or indirectly from the source 25 via the reflector 26) is indicated by a number of arrows. 8 is directed to an option according to which the antifouling system includes at least one ultraviolet light source that is suspended a certain distance from the buoyancy module 10. In the example shown, a structure 35 is provided that surrounds the buoyancy module 10, which is adapted to receive a plurality of light sources 28, particularly in at least one of the rings 36 that may be part of the structure 35, wherein the structure 35 may include a A sleeve-like mesh 37, one or more rings 36 are incorporated therein, as shown in FIG. The one or more rings 36 may, for example, comprise a light hose or one of the I-shaped bars 30 shown in Figures 5-7 as being bent to an annular configuration. The structure 35 can be coupled to an elongate device 40 (the buoyancy module 10 is mounted to the elongate device 40) without altering the fact that the structure 35 can also be designed for direct connection to the buoyancy module 10. A suitable spacer (not shown) can be used to hold the at least one ring 36 and the buoyancy module 10 in a substantially concentric positioning to ensure effective protection against the entire outer periphery of the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10. Pollution action. At least one of the loops 36 can be equipped with any suitable locking mechanism, such as a snap. Figure 9 relates to an option according to which the antifouling system utilizes the fact that the known buoyancy module 10 is equipped with a resistance reducing baffle 17. In particular, FIG. 9 is used to illustrate the possibility of arranging the light source 29 on the baffle 17, wherein the light source 29 can be integrated into the baffle 17 and/or can be configured on the baffle 17 as an additional item. In any event, the configuration of the light source 29 in/on the baffle 17 can be designed such that the light source 29 is mechanically protected by the baffle 17. With respect to the optional baffle 17 of the buoyancy module 10, it is further noted that the baffle 17 can function as a spacer for supporting at least one light source and/or at least one light guide structure, such as the structure 35 shown in FIG. It is also noted that the baffle 17 can be provided with a light source for use in conjunction with the buoyancy module 10 and/or one of the at least one light guide or a generator, without altering the fact that the power source or generator can be configured to be relative to Any suitable location of the buoyancy module 10 within the architecture of the present invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to the examples discussed above, but it is possible that several modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The invention is intended to be construed as covering all such modifications and modifications as such The present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the description The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, and the details that are not required for the understanding of the invention may be omitted and not necessarily drawn to scale. Variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by one of the <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; In the scope of the invention, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article "a" ("a" or "an") does not exclude a plural. The term "comprising" as used herein is to be understood by those skilled in the art to cover the term "consisting of." Thus, the term "comprising" may mean "consisting of" with respect to an embodiment, but in another embodiment may mean "containing/containing at least the defined species and optionally/containing one or more Other species." Any element symbols in the scope of the invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The elements and aspects discussed with respect to a particular embodiment or with respect to a particular embodiment may be combined as appropriate with the elements and aspects of the other embodiments, unless specifically stated otherwise. Therefore, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually exclusive claims does not indicate that the combination of one of these measures is not optimized. The invention is summarized as follows. In an assembly of a buoyancy module 10 and an anti-fouling system, the buoyancy module 10 is adapted to support a functional device 40 in a floating environment in an underwater environment. In particular, the anti-fouling system includes at least one anti-fouling appliance 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 for performing an anti-fouling action on at least a portion of the exterior surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10, wherein The antifouling device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 has an external configuration with respect to one of the buoyancy modules 10 and is mechanically coupled to the buoyancy module and/or adapted for mechanical coupling to a functional device. 40, and/or disposed on the outer surface 16 of the buoyancy module 10, and/or disposed on the interior of the buoyancy module 10, and the anti-fouling energy thereof may be supplied to at least one of a direct and an indirect manner. Surface 16. In a practical embodiment, the antifouling device 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29 includes an ultraviolet light source 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29 and possibly also includes ultraviolet light coupled thereto. Light guide 24 of one of light sources 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, 29.

10‧‧‧ buoyancy module
11‧‧‧ Subject
12‧‧‧ half body
13‧‧‧ half body
14‧‧‧End parts
15‧‧‧End parts
16‧‧‧External surface
17‧‧‧Baffle
20‧‧‧Tube UV lamp
21‧‧‧External layer/antifouling equipment
22‧‧‧Distributed UV LED/Anti-fouling Appliance
23‧‧‧UV laser source/antifouling equipment
24‧‧‧Long light guide / antifouling appliance
25‧‧‧UV light source/antifouling equipment
26‧‧‧ reflector
27‧‧‧Printed circuit board
28‧‧‧Light source/anti-fouling appliances
29‧‧‧Light source/anti-fouling equipment
30‧‧‧I-bar
31‧‧‧ center beam
32‧‧‧ optical exit window
33‧‧‧ transverse beam
34‧‧‧ transverse beam
35‧‧‧structure
36‧‧‧ Ring
37‧‧‧Sleeve mesh
40‧‧‧Long device/function device

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein the same or similar parts are indicated by the same element symbols, and in the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a general design of a buoyancy module; FIG. 2 schematically shows a buoyancy module, It is equipped with a tubular ultraviolet lamp disposed in its interior; FIG. 3 schematically shows a buoyancy module equipped with an outer layer of one of the dispersed ultraviolet LEDs; FIG. 4 schematically shows a buoyancy module equipped with an ultraviolet ray coupled An elongated light guide having a coil appearance and surrounding the buoyancy module; FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an I-shaped rod used in conjunction with a buoyancy module, the I-shaped rod receiving an ultraviolet light source and a reflector 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the I-shaped bar shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 8 schematically shows a buoyancy module equipped with a structure including a ring surrounding the buoyancy module, the rings receiving An ultraviolet light source; and FIG. 9 schematically shows a buoyancy module including a resistance reducing baffle and a light source disposed on the baffle.

10‧‧‧ buoyancy module

16‧‧‧External surface

23‧‧‧UV laser source/antifouling equipment

24‧‧‧Long light guide / antifouling appliance

40‧‧‧Long device/function

Claims (15)

An assembly of a buoyancy module (10) and an anti-fouling system, the buoyancy module (10) being adapted to floatably support a functional device (40) in an underwater environment, and the anti-fouling system includes at least An antifouling device (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29) for performing an antifouling action on at least a portion of the outer surface (16) of the buoyancy module (10), wherein the antifouling action The dirt device (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29) has an external arrangement with respect to one of the buoyancy modules (10), wherein the antifouling device (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, At least a portion of 25, 28, 29) is supported on the buoyancy module (10) and/or adapted to be supported on a functional device (40) and/or configured in the buoyancy module (10) The outer surface (16) is disposed and/or disposed within the interior of the buoyancy module (10). The assembly of claim 1, wherein the antifouling device (20, 22) is adapted to emit antifouling energy during operation thereof, wherein the antifouling device (20, 22) is at least partially disposed in the buoyancy module ( 10) In the interior, and wherein the anti-fouling system includes at least a portion of the exterior surface (16) that is permeable to the anti-fouling energy and that includes the buoyancy module (10). The assembly of claim 2, wherein the portion of the buoyancy module (10) that is permeable to the anti-fouling energy system comprises an outer layer (21) of the buoyancy module (10), and wherein the antifouling The system optionally includes a plurality of anti-fouling energy sources (22) for emitting anti-fouling energy during its operation, the energy sources (22) being configured to be incorporated into one of the layers (21) or In the net. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the antifouling device (23, 24) has an elongated appearance and is disposed in a helical manner relative to the buoyancy module (10). The assembly of claim 1 or 4, wherein the anti-fouling system comprises a structure (30, 35) extending or extending around the buoyancy module (10) through the buoyancy module (10) and At least a portion of the dirt device (23, 24, 25, 28) is held at a position that is one of a distance from the buoyancy module (10). The assembly of claim 5, wherein the structure (35) has a sleeve-like appearance, and wherein the structure optionally includes at least one ring (36), at least a portion of the anti-fouling device (28) being incorporated into the at least In a ring (36). The assembly of claim 5, wherein the structure (30) has an elongated shape and is disposed in a helical manner relative to the buoyancy module (10). The assembly of claim 5, wherein the structure (30, 35) is adapted to provide mechanical protection of at least a portion of the antifouling appliance (23, 24, 25, 28). The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the antifouling device (25) is adapted to emit antifouling energy during its operation, and wherein the antifouling system includes means for directing the antifouling energy a reflective member (26) of at least a portion of the outer surface (16) of the buoyancy module (10). The assembly of claim 1, wherein the buoyancy module (10) is equipped with an outwardly extending resistance reducing baffle (17), and wherein the antifouling system includes means for emitting antifouling energy during its operation, etc. An anti-fouling energy source (29), the anti-fouling energy source (29) being disposed on the baffles (17). The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the anti-fouling system comprises at least one energy source (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 28, for emitting anti-fouling energy during its operation) 29) The antifouling energy is ultraviolet light. An antifouling system comprising at least one antifouling appliance (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) for performing an antifouling action on at least a portion of the outer surface (16) of a buoyancy module (10) 28, 29), which is intended to be used in the assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A buoyancy module (10) for mounting on a functional device (40) for floatingly supporting the functional device (40) in an underwater environment, which is intended to be used according to claim 1 In the assembly of any of the 11th. A functional device (40) and an assembly of at least one buoyancy module (10) according to the request item 13 disposed on the functional device (40), the functional device (40) being a sea lift module as the case may be group. A marine system comprising a marine device for extracting a substance from a sea (bottom) bed and at least one assembly according to claim 14, the marine device passing through the functional device (40) of the assembly and the sea ( Bottom) bed connection.